When it comes to searching for an apartment, the time-frames can vary. According to a study conducted by My First Apartment, 32% of renters found their apartments within two to three weeks of searching; this is a significant leap from the 22% who took six weeks and the 8% who took one day.
If you are searching for an apartment in Houston TX or Dallas TX, there are various steps you can take to ensure the search is both fast and efficient.
Assessing Your Needs
Before you start contacting landlords or estate agents, take some time to figure out what you’ll actually require from your new accommodation. Too many renters enter the market unsure, and then find themselves in a searching limbo and viewing apartments that aren’t suitable.
The two main elements that will probably be at the forefront of your decision are budget and location. If you’d like an apartment in a central area, close to industry, nightlife and attractions, then then rental prices will increase.
Amenities will also have significant impact on the price. The most sought after amenities in Houston and Dallas TX are dishwashers, washing machines and dryers. While many apartments will have shared facilities, renters often prefer to have their own; again, this will significantly drive up the costs. If you want to move into an apartment with a pet, you may also have to pay both a pet deposit and pet rent. Finding an apartment with these facilities could take longer, meaning you’ll need to start your search earlier than usual.
Using an Apartment Finding Service
If you aren’t sure where to start, you may find an apartment finding service useful. An agent will help you locate a property based on your own personal specifications and budgetary constraints. They will often have good connections with landlords and developers, allowing them to find you the best possible property.
With most apartment finding services you can search their website for a suitable property. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, then contacting their agents directly is always a good option as they may have listings that haven’t been updated on their online database.
Many apartment finding services are free of charge because they get paid directly from landlords and developers for their recommendation, rather than the renters. Using these services could save you a great deal of money on estate agency fees and also help speed up the process.
In conclusion, give yourself a minimum of two to three weeks to find an apartment; however, if you’d like more facilities and amenities, then add on more time to accommodate the additional features.
If you are moving to an apartment in Dallas TX or Houston TX, feel free to get in touch with us at Apartment Agents. We can help you quickly and easily find an apartment free of charge. If you have experience with apartment searching, please leave a comment to let us know how long it took you.
Image: Milestone Management